Why versatility is the name of the game for the 2020 NY Giants
By Matt Clark
NY Giants running backs
The NY Giants are blessed to have a generational talent heading their running back position in Saquon Barkley. In Barkley, they have a back that is a legitimate touchdown threat in both the running and the receiving game.
Having a running back with elite receiving skills like the Giants do with Barkley, opens up the offensive playbook and keeps defenses honest. Defenses must account for the fact that Barkley can scamper to the outside and is a dangerous threat to take a screen pass to the house at any time.
The Giants signed veteran running back Dion Lewis this offseason to be a backup to Barkley. Lewis is an excellent pass-catching running back, who has 169 receptions for 1,260 yards over the past five seasons. He also draws rave reviews as a running back who can pass block effectively. As a result, Lewis could become a weapon for New York, especially on third down and passing plays.
Throw in the undrafted free agent signing Javon Leake out of the University of Maryland, and the NY Giants have yet another highly versatile running back. Leake showcased elite return skills during his collegiate career and has a good chance of making the final roster based on those special teams skills. In addition, Leake is a solid receiver and is adept at finding open running lanes and bursting through to the second level of the defense.
While the Giants have seen what Barkley can do when healthy the past two seasons, adding two backs behind him who can affect the passing game and special teams in an impactful way should pay major dividends for the GMEN this season.